Partnering With Family Caregivers When Providing
Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care

Video Runtime: 22 Minutes

This course explores the unique communication dynamics required to establish a strong, collaborative relationship with the primary caregivers of terminally ill children. Unlike adult hospice, where the patient is the main contact, pediatric care involves engaging a complex family system that acts in a state of high-alert advocacy, making trust and consent critical focal points. Designed for pediatric palliative and hospice care professionals conducting home visits, this course emphasizes the necessity of listening first to understand the family's story, cultural background, and specific informational needs. Students will learn to tailor their approach to a child's developmental age, addressing issues such as magical thinking in younger patients, while actively inviting parents to lead decision-making. By prioritizing respectful listening and honesty, this course will equip you to form a powerful partnership with caregivers, significantly reducing distress and optimizing patient care.

Learning Outcomes

• Recognize the importance of understanding the communication habits and style used by the family and the child to communicate
• Identify three differences in communicating with pediatric hospice families compared to adult hospice patients
• List three important aspects of communicating with families of pediatric hospice patients